Two Tragedies in One Day: Fatal Shootings in Lyon and Denain, Shooters Still at Large

On Sunday, March 9, two men lost their lives to gun violence in separate but equally tragic incidents in Lyon and Denain. Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Fatal Shooting in La Duchère: A Possible Settling of Scores

Around 5:45 p.m., gunshots rang out in Place Abbé-Pierre, in Lyon’s La Duchère district. The victim, a 31-year-old man, was shot twice. Despite the swift intervention of emergency services, he succumbed to his injuries.

According to police sources, the victim was known for minor offenses, and Lyon’s mayor, Grégory Doucet, suggested the murder could be linked to a settling of scores. In a social media post, Doucet called for calm and assured that municipal police, in coordination with the prefecture, would be fully mobilized to track down the shooter.

In response to the incident, security measures were immediately heightened, with increased patrols and surveillance footage made available to aid the investigation.

Man Shot Dead in the Streets of Denain

A few hours later, around 9:30 p.m., another fatal shooting occurred in Denain, in northern France. A 30-year-old man was shot in the back. Despite rapid medical attention and being rushed to Valenciennes Hospital, he passed away at 11 p.m.

The Valenciennes prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation for voluntary manslaughter. The shooter’s identity remains unknown, and authorities are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the suspect.

Recurring Violence Sparks Concern

These shootings add to a troubling pattern of gun violence, particularly in La Duchère, where six shootings have occurred in less than four years. Local leaders are urging residents to stay calm while reinforcing law enforcement presence to safeguard the community and support ongoing investigations.

Investigators are relying on witness statements and collected evidence to identify the shooters and shed light on the circumstances of these tragic events.